Cop offers condolences to Damond's family

The Minnesota police officer who shot and killed Australian woman Justine Damond has offered his condolences to her family.

Mohamed Noor has been identified as the Minneapolis officer who opened fire on Ms Damond. Her fiancé, Don Damond, said she had called 911 Saturday night to report a possible sexual assault in the alley behind their house.

In a statement to WCCO-TV, the Somali-American officer’s lawyer Tom Plunkett said Noor is keeping Damond’s family in his daily thoughts and prayers.

"He came to the United States at a young age and is thankful to have had so many opportunities. He takes these events very seriously because, for him, being a police officer is a calling. He joined the police force to serve the community and to protect the people he serves. Officer Noor is a caring person with a family he loves and he empathizes with the loss others are experiencing.

"The current environment for police is difficult, but Officer Noor accepts this as part of his calling. We would like to say more, and will in the future. At this time, however, there are several investigations ongoing and Officer Noor wants to respect the privacy to the family and asks the same in return during this difficult period.”